Announced on BBC Radio 2 this morning, the shortlist also includes Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Some 20 cities expressed an interest to stage the event next May.

The BBC said the shortlist was based on the cities' ability to show they have "the capacity, capability and experience to host an event of this scale and complexity".

Neil Rami, Chief Executive, West Midlands Growth Company, said:

“The announcement by the BBC and EBU to shortlist Birmingham to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year is another tremendous endorsement for the city and wider region’s reputation as a truly international major events destination.

“There was no better shop window than the 2022 Commonwealth Games to successfully demonstrate to the world our region’s friendliness, expertise and flexibility in welcoming large and complex events. The vibrancy, diversity and youthfulness displayed during that fantastic fortnight of sport and culture helped to put on an incredible show, and I’ve no doubt that we would deliver another memorable Eurovision, like in 1998, on behalf of Ukraine.”

The successful city will be announced in the autumn, having been scored on a set of criteria, including:

• Having a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest
• The commitment that can be made by a city or region to hosting the event, including the financial contribution
• The strength of the cultural offer which includes off screen local and regional activity as well as showcasing Ukrainian culture and music
• Alignment with the BBC's strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster, such as providing value to all audiences and supporting the creative economy in the UK

For more information about why Birmingham and the West Midlands is the best place to host your next event, visit https://www.meetbirmingham.com/why-birmingham